Patrol Officer - Lateral

Salary : $81,598.40 - $110,198.40 Annually
Location : Kettering Government Center, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600027
Department: POLICE
Opening Date: 02/24/2026


Job Posting
The City of Kettering is accepting submissions for Full-Time Lateral Patrol Officer
Salary & Benefits

2026 Minimum Annual: $81,598

2026 Maximum with Bachelor Degree: $110,198

• Comprehensive Health, Dental and Vision Plans
• Accrued Vacation, Sick and Compensatory Time (Refillable 240 Hours Comp Max)
• 11 Paid Holidays & 40 Hours Paid Personal Leave per year
• 10-Hour Patrol Shifts
• Paid Ohio equivalency training (if necessary) and Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Overtime per Court Appearance (4 Hours Paid Minimum)
• Ohio Police and Fire Pension Plan
• Ohio Deferred Compensation Plans
• Employee Wellness Program w/ Access to City of Kettering Recreation Facilities
• All Equipment and Uniforms Provided Upon Hire
• Annual Paid Uniform Allowance and Shift Differential
• Relaxed Beard and Tattoo Policy

Professional Development

• Special Response Team (SWAT)
• Criminal Investigations (Detective) Unit
• Vice, Narcotics & Organized Crime Unit
• K-9 Unit
• Bike Patrol and Motorcycle Unit
• Accident Investigation/Reconstruction Team (AIT)
• Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team (HNT)
• Evidence Technician Unit
• Field Training Officer Unit
• School Resource/Community Relations Unit (SRO)
• Personnel and Training Officer
• Public Information Officer
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
• Drone Program

Selection Process

The Patrol Officer hiring process consists of the following:

• Submit Online Application
• Oral Board Interview
• Polygraph and Background Investigation
• Executive Staff (Chief's) Interview
• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Post-Conditional Polygraph, Psychological Evaluation, Physical/Drug/Alcohol Screen (to include Marijuana)
• Final Offer of Employment

Minimum Qualifications

At time of appointment candidates must have:

• A high school diploma or its equivalent; and successfully completed at least two years of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate's current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment); or
• Obtained credit hours equivalent to an Associate Degree (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university AND must have successfully completed at least one year of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate's current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment); or
• Two years of active military service or equivalent years of service in the Reserves or National Guard (active duty or reserves) with a satisfactory service record or honorable discharge AND must have successfully completed at least one year of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate's current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment).

Physical Condition: Must be physically capable of performing essential police duties and pass a thorough medical examination, where applicable, candidate must meet Academy minimum physical fitness entrance standards as required by Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.); and a drug/alcohol screen.

Ohio Operator's License - Appointee must possess, obtain and maintain a valid State of Ohio Operator's License.

U.S. Citizen - Must be 21 years of age and eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment.
*Certain criminal convictions, poor choices, or other behaviors may disqualify you from consideration for employment as a Patrol Officer.
*Tattoos on the ears, head, face and hands, including fingers, or anything that undermines the City or Departmental values, may also disqualify you from consideration.
Information or Questions

Please contact Human Resources at or View phone number on click.appcast.io or the KPD Personnel & Training Unit at or View phone number on click.appcast.io.
For more information, including how to apply, please visit Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply.

The City of Kettering is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Performs police related tasks in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of statutes and ordinances, or may perform tasks in the staff services or administrative sections of the Police Department. Does related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION:
Work normally consists of preventive patrol, preliminary investigations and traffic control duties in a designated area, but can also include a variety of staff assignments. Duties may involve an element of personal danger and employees must be able to act without immediate and direct supervision and exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies. The nature of the work requires that the employee may work irregular hours and in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements. Regular schedules include working on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. May be called in during emergencies. Specific work assignments are made by a Sergeant or other Police Supervisor and work methods and results are checked through performance evaluations, review of reports and discussions.

Examples of Duties

• Patrols a designated area of the City, generally in a patrol car, to monitor security of businesses and residents, preserve order, prevent and discover the commission of crime and to enforce motor vehicle operation and parking regulations;
• Responds to calls for police service involving such things as automobile accidents, fires, neighborhood or family disturbances and complaints of violation of statutes or ordinances;
• Conducts preliminary investigations at crime scenes, gathers evidence, interviews complainants and witnesses, makes arrests as necessary;
• Investigates traffic accidents, including alleviating traffic congestion at the scene, interviewing those involved and available witnesses, preparing detailed accident reports and issuing citations based on a determination of the facts surrounding the situation;
• Provides general assistance to citizens in a variety of emergency situations;
• Testifies as a witness in court regarding arrests made, citations issued, etc.;
• Administers first aid in emergency situations to those in need;
• Effectively handles violent, mentally ill, or intoxicated individuals;
• Effectively deals with distraught and upset victims;
• Decides on use of appropriate physical force required per policy/protocol, and when possible, implements creative solutions to problems;
• Interviews persons with complaints or inquiries, and attempts to make a proper disposition, provide general information or direct them to the proper authorities;
• Inspects establishments providing alcoholic beverages and entertainment;
• Reports hazards to community safety;
• Attends in-service training classes to maintain proficiency in police methods, first aid, weapons, force options, emergency vehicle operations and related subjects;
• Writes reports and retrieves data from a personal computer;
• Performs physically strenuous duties (i.e., pursuing/apprehending subjects and moving bodies);
• Identifies and remains informed about persons of known criminal background and places of questionable legality within the community;
• Assists in training of newly hired officers;
• Performs in staff services and other administrative areas such as Crime Prevention/Public Information Officer, Administrative Officer, or Recruiting/Training Officer;
• Operates a variety of law enforcement equipment and maintains it in good working order;
• Performs as a detective, making in-depth investigations of offenses and related intelligence work;
• Assumes charge of a watch in the absence of a Sergeant or other command officer;
• Performs other essential functions and related law enforcement and public service assignments as required;
• Regular and predictable on-site attendance required.

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to develop a working knowledge of criminal, civil and traffic laws, departmental policies and procedures, effective police methods, first-aid techniques and procedures and geography of the City. Ability to learn to use police computer system. Knowledge of the care and skill in the use of police related equipment, including firearms. Effective oral communication skills and the ability to deal courteously and effectively with the general public. Ability to deal with offenders firmly, courteously and tactfully and with respect for the rights of others. Ability to handle emergencies and tense situations and maintain one's composure. Ability to write accurate, clear and comprehensive reports. Ability to learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system.


Prior to appointment, candidates for positions in this class must successfully pass a thorough background check including pre-offer and post-offer polygraph, medical/physical/drug and alcohol screen and psychological examination. Must be physically capable of performing essential police duties. Must have physical agility sufficient to lift and/or move heavy objects or persons in the course of rescue activities; the ability to physically restrain persons in the course of law enforcement activities; the ability to give chase on foot in the course of law enforcement/criminal apprehension activities; and the ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions. Must have visual ability sufficient to operate a police vehicle by both day and night, to observe criminal actions taking place, to observe traffic violations taking place, to read and write reports, correspondence, etc. Must have hearing ability sufficient to understand radio transmissions, conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone. Must have speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over a telephone, or over a radio.


Candidates for positions in this class must also be at least 21 years of age and eligible to work in the United States citizen at time of appointment. Must have demonstrated moral integrity and the ability to conduct oneself in a manner above reproach, legally and morally. Must have the ability to evaluate information, analyze situations and exercise sound judgment; must obtain a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Ohio within 60 days of appointment; must successfully complete the Police training course chosen by the City which meets or exceeds the standards prescribed by law; and must successfully complete a one-year probation period prior to permanent appointment.


Out-of-state officers, hired through the lateral entry process, may have to successfully complete mandated courses by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of credit hours equivalent to an Associate's Degree (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university; or must possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate's current state of residency; or must have two years of active military service or equivalent years of service in the Reserves or National Guard (active duty or reserves) with a satisfactory service record or honorable discharge.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS - PATROL OFFICERS

Effective January 2026

This document is provided for informational purposes only and offers a general overview of benefits available to eligible employees. All benefits are subject to change, modification, or elimination. Detailed plan summaries will be reviewed during orientation and are available upon request.

If you are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the terms of that agreement may supersede the information contained in this document.

You have 30 days from hire to elect medical, dental, vision, and/or voluntary life insurance. If you wish to enroll, please contact Human Resources to obtain the necessary enrollment paperwork.

Medical Insurance

The City partners with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) to provide high-quality medical coverage for you and your family. Eligible dependents include your legal spouse and children under age 26.

Eligible full-time employees-both organized and non-organized-may choose between the Platinum Plan and the Silver Plan. A summary comparison is outlined below.

Medical Plan Comparison

Benefit

Platinum - Single

Platinum - Family

Silver - Single

Silver - Family

High Deductible

Health Plan

?

?

N/A

N/A

HSA Eligible

?

?

N/A

N/A

Deductible

$2,000

$4,000

$2,000

$4,000

Employer HSA Contribution

$1,300

$2,600

N/A

N/A

Preventive Services

100%

100%

100%

100%

Coinsurance

(after deductible)

0%

0%

20%

20%

Maximum

Out-of-Pocket

$6,250

$6,850

$4,000

$8,000

Wellness Program Incentive

$350 HSA

$700 HSA

$350 taxable income

$700 taxable income

Convenience Care

$5 copay

$5 copay

$5 copay

$5 copay

Office Visit

$15 copay

$15 copay

$25 copay

$25 copay

Specialist Visit

$25 copay

$25 copay

$50 copay

$50 copay

Urgent Care

$30 copay

$30 copay

$35 + 20%

$35 + 20%

Emergency Room

$200 copay

$200 copay

20% after deductible

20% after deductible

Employee Monthly

Premium (17%)

$147.02

$379.32

$123.50

$318.64
Important Note for Mid-Year Enrollees

As a mid-year enrollee, you are eligible for a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for your first calendar year of employment. HRA funds may be used to reimburse eligible expenses applied toward your 2026 medical deductible.

During Annual Enrollment for 2027 benefits, you will be asked to review your eligibility for a Health Savings Account (HSA). If eligible, you will be enrolled in an HSA for 2027.

Medical Waiver

Eligible employees who have medical coverage through another source may choose to waive City coverage. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $3,000 per year (prorated for mid-year enrollees) as taxable income, paid bi-weekly.

Each year, employees must submit:

• A Waiver of Health Insurance Form, and
• Proof of other coverage for each member of the employee's tax family.

Acceptable proof includes group health plan ID cards, employer verification letters, Medicare cards, and similar documentation. Waiver payments will not be issued until all required documentation is received.

TextCare

TextCare provides 24/7 virtual primary care through secure text messaging, video, or phone calls. TextCare is available to employees enrolled in the City's medical insurance plan and members of their household. The number to text is View phone number on click.appcast.io.


TextCare services include:

• $0 visits for employees and household members
• Unlimited, on-demand access to a virtual primary care team
• Diagnosis and treatment for common health concerns
• Prescription writing and refills
• Preventive care guidance
• Coordination of in-person care, labs, imaging, and specialists
• Pediatric care for children in your household

Dental Insurance

The City partners with Superior Dental Care to provide dental coverage for employees and eligible dependents (legal spouse and children under age 26).

Superior Dental Care offers the same level of coverage for both in-network and out-of-network providers. However, out-of-network providers may balance bill, while in-network providers may not. To minimize out-of-pocket costs, employees are encouraged to use in-network providers.

A list of in-network dentists is available at

2026 Monthly Pre-Tax Dental Premiums

Coverage

Single

Family

Employee (10%)

$3.12

$9.51

Vision Coverage

The City partners with UHC Vision to offer vision coverage to employees and eligible dependents (legal spouse and children under age 26).

UHC Vision provides access to a broad network of retail and independent providers, including LensCrafters, Costco Optical, Sam's Club, and Target Optical. Providers in the network can be found at

While there is no City contribution toward vision premiums, coverage is offered at a competitive group rate.

2026 Monthly Pre-Tax Vision Premiums

Coverage

Single

Family

Employee

$4.77

$12.17

Life Insurance

The City provides Basic Term Life Insurance, administered by The Hartford, to all full-time employees at no cost. Coverage equals one times your annual base salary, plus an equal amount of Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

Voluntary Life Insurance

Employees may purchase additional voluntary life insurance for themselves, their legal spouse, and eligible children.

Employee Coverage

• Available in $10,000 increments, guaranteed issue up to $400,000
• Guaranteed approval during the first 30 days of employment

Spouse and Child Coverage

• Spouse: $10,000 increments, guaranteed issue up to $50,000
• Child: $2,000 or $10,000 (from live birth up to age 26)
• One premium applies, regardless of the number of eligible children
• Employee must carry voluntary coverage equal to or greater than dependent coverage
• Guaranteed approval within the first 30 days of employment

This program provides valuable financial protection for employees and their families.

Monthly Life Insurance Premium Rates

Premiums are based on the employee's age and the amount of coverage elected. Rates shown are monthly costs per $10,000 of coverage, unless otherwise noted.

Age

Employee Cost

per $10,000

Spouse Cost

per $10,000

Child $2,000 Policy

Child $10,000 Policy

Under 30

$0.60

$0.60

$0.20

$1.02

30 - 34

$0.90

$0.65

One premium, regardless of number of children. Children eligible to age 26.

35 - 39

$1.10

$0.80
40 - 44

$1.60

$1.10
45 - 49

$2.60

$1.70
50 - 54

$4.20

$2.50
55 - 59

$6.80

$4.00
60 - 64

$10.70

$6.20
65 and over

$17.20

$12.20
$400,000/Max

$50,000/Max
Example: How to Calculate Your Monthly Premium

An employee who is age 40 elects $100,000 in voluntary employee life insurance coverage.

• Rate for age 40-44: $1.60 per $10,000
• Coverage elected: $100,000 = 10 units of $10,000
• Monthly cost: 10 × $1.60 = $16.00 per month

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Dependent Care FSA

• Pre-tax reimbursement for dependent care expenses (child under age 13; or for a physically or mentally disabled dependent that lives with you at least eight hours per day)
• Individual under care must be your dependent for federal income tax purposes
• Maximum annual contribution: $7,500

Health Care FSA

• Pre-tax reimburses eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses
• Limited Purpose FSA applies for HSA participants and will reimburse for dental, vision, and post-deductible medical expenses only
• Maximum annual contribution: $3,300

Retirement Plan

In lieu of Social Security contributions, Patrol Officers make contributions to the Ohio Patrol and Fire Pension Fund (OP&F).

• Employee contribution: 12.25% of gross salary
• City contribution: 19.5% of gross salary

In addition, employees may voluntarily contribute to a Deferred Compensation Plan through MissionSquare or Ohio Deferred Compensation. These plans allow employees to save additional funds for retirement through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Leave Benefits

Holidays

Full-time employees receive regular compensation for the following 11 holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
• Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
• Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November)
• Day After Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

When a holiday falls on a weekend, the City Manager may designate an alternate observance day.

Vacation Leave

Vacation leave accrues based on length of service:

Length of Service

Days per Year

Up to 5 years

10

Over 5 and up to 10 years

14

Over 10 and up to 15 years

18

Over 15 and up to 20 years

21

Over 20 years

25
Employees may begin using vacation leave after 90 days from hire date.

• Maximum carryover: 30 days
• Vacation year runs from early October through late September
• Unused vacation is paid out upon separation, except for employees with less than six months of service

Prior Ohio public service may be eligible for service credit toward accrual rates.

Personal Leave (Patrol Officers)

• 40 hours annually
• Must be approved in advance
• Cannot be carried over into the next year
• Available after 30 days from hire date

First-year allotment is prorated based on hire date.
If hired...

Before July 1

On or After July 1

On or After October 1

Hours Per Year:

40 hours

32 hours

0 hours
Sick Leave

• Accrues at 15 days (120 hours) per year
• Maximum accrual: 260 days (2,080 hours)
• Eligible portions may be paid upon retirement or death

Eligible prior Ohio public service sick leave may be transferred.


Birthing Parent and Bonding/Non-Birthing Parent and Bonding/Adoption Leave

Birthing parent and bonding leave may be granted with full pay and benefits during the period of pregnancy-related disability and charged to sick leave as appropriate. Additional leave may be available under other leave policies. In certain circumstances, the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may apply. Similar benefits may apply to non-birthing parents and adoptive or foster placements.

Funeral Leave

• Up to 5 days for spouse, child, stepchild, parent, or parent-in-law
• Up to 3 days for immediate family (sibling, sibling-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, grandparent-in-law, grandchild, half-brother, half-sister or other relative living in the same household)
• 1 day for more distant relatives

Jury Duty

Employees may continue to receive regular pay while serving jury duty, subject to City Manager approval.
Injury Leave & Workers' Compensation

The City participates in the Ohio Workers' Compensation system. Employees injured on the job receive medical care and partial wage replacement. Injury-related leave with pay may be approved, and employees must complete required Workers' Compensation documentation with assistance from Human Resources.

Additional Benefits

Educational Assistance

The City reimburses 80% of tuition costs, up to $1,000 per calendar year, for job-related coursework. Employees may request advances against a future calendar year's educational assistance. Requests must be approved in advance. Repayment may be required if employment ends within two years of course completion.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employees and household members have access to free, confidential counseling services 24/7 through EmployeeCare.

• Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io
• For easy guidance to free mental health and well-being resources, visit kettering.onemorning.com

Employee Council

The Employee Council plans recognition events, social activities, and fundraisers, including the annual employee picnic and humanitarian fund.

Pet Insurance

Discounted MetLife Pet Insurance is available for purchase at any time. Additional information is available on the City intranet or through Human Resources.

Uniform Allowance

Patrol Officers will be paid a uniform allowance of $1,500 per year. This allowance will be paid to each Patrol Officer after the first year of service in four equal payments.
01


Which of the following minimum qualifications applies to you?

• A high school diploma or its equivalent; and successfully completed at least two years of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate's current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment).
• Obtained credit hours equivalent to an Associate Degree (60 semester hours/90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university AND must have successfully completed at least one year of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate's current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment).
• Two years of active military service or equivalent years of service in the Reserves or National Guard (active duty or reserves) with a satisfactory service record or honorable discharge AND must have successfully completed at least one year of continuous service as a full-time commissioned police officer and possess a current Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (O.P.O.T.C.) peace officer certificate or equivalent peace officer certification in candidate's current state of residency within the past 3 years, at time of appointment).

Required Question